Staff

Kate Pollon

Principal

Kate Pollon is the new principal of Anchor Learning Academy. Having started the position in December, Kate previously taught special education for over 30 years in New Jersey. “My goal is to enable our students to fulfill his or her personal and academic potential within a supportive and sober recovery environment through education, demonstration, and cultivation of academic excellence, social responsibility, and personal integrity.”

Kate is also new the addiction field, and is looking forward to getting more familiar with the subject. “I’m looking forward to inspiring recovery for optimum academic and social performance and to empower hope in each student as well as offer students an opportunity to grow academically, emotionally, and socially by integrating the principals of recovery into daily education.”

She has a Bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania and Master’s degrees from The University of Scranton and Seaton Hall. She is currently pursuing a PhD. from Seaton Hall in Education Leadership, Policy, and Management.

Outside of ALA, she’s busy working on her doctorate, and enjoys traveling.

Stacy Perin

Director

Stacy has worked in social services for 26 years and is the Director of Anchor Learning Academy and The Providence Center School. She has a BS in Behavioral Psychology from the University of Florida as well as a BSW and MSW from the University of Central Florida. She also holds a LICSW and QMHP. Prior to working in mental health, Stacy worked in oncology.

“My work is important to me because I believe in making a difference and helping students and families to have the best possible outcomes, and the highest quality of life achievable,” says Stacy. “My work is also incredibly rewarding because I have the opportunity to collaborate with so many dedicated team members.”

Outside of work, Stacy enjoys cooking, entertaining, and spending time with her family members and pets.

Educational Coordinator

Making connections and improving academic success–that’s what native Rhode Islander Christopher Mahon sets out to achieve as the educational coordinator at Anchor Learning Academy. In his role as educational coordinator, he uses his skills to develop, evaluate and coordinate Anchor Learning Academy’s educational programs. He is also the liaison between teachers, parents and community members.As the educational coordinator, Christopher believes in facilitating students’ achievements. “No matter how simple or small, they have a tremendous amount of meaning,” said Christopher. “Success reinforces success and will provide students with incentive, motivation and confidence to continue moving in the right direction.” Christopher brings a passion for writing and reading books and literature. He plans on working with students one-on-one to gain excitement and make English enjoyable every day.Christopher, a graduate from University of Rhode Island, holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and completed course work towards a degree in secondary education. He served as executive officer in the Rhode Island National Guard from 1999 to 2008 and most recently was with the Warwick School Department.

Recovery Coordinator

Mike is motivated by his students’ success. Equipped with an understanding that each individual is unique, he takes time to understand the interests and goals of every student.

“I’m here to help students rediscover their sober identity and guide them into recovery,” Mike said. Mike came to Anchor Learning Academy in January 2015, having previously served as a clinician at The Providence Center School and case manager in TPC’s Child and Family Services. He implements a strength-based approach when working with students, focusing on providing students with positive feedback. Mike recieved his Master's and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Counseling Psychology from Rhode Island College, and holds Licensed Mental Health Counselur (LMHC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional (LCDP) in Rhode Island.In his free time, Mike enjoys long distance running and going to concerts.

Case Manager

Laura started at ALA in April of 2017, and has worked in the psych field for 4 years. As case manager, her role is to find ways to support the students, whether it’s making sure they have transportation in the morning by picking them up, or setting up safe activities for them outside of the school. She is heading up ALA’s Healthy Replacement Activities Program, where students participate in after-school activities with local organizations after school. “I’m trying to find ways for students to engage with the community that make them feel better about themselves by doing something productive,” Laura said.

Laura is ALA’s first case manager. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Sociology from the University of Rhode Island. She got her start as a Personal Assistance Services and Support (PASS) worker at Seven Hills Foundation, which she still does part-time today.

When she’s not at one of her two jobs, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and reading.